With 22 NBA teams having representatives at the upcoming Blitz, there will be a lot of attention on this year's class of NBL Next Stars.

On the back of the success of the program last year, with Alex Sarr selected with the second overall pick, it's the perfect opportunity for the next generation to shine.

Here's an insight into the five Next Stars NBA executives will get to watch first hand this week.

Watch every game of the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast, live on Kayo from September 7.

Izan Almansa

You can expect to see a whole lot of Izan Almansa at the Blitz and beyond, because we have already seen a small sample of what he can do during Perth’s five warm-up games.

The 6-foot-10 Spaniard has shown he’s versatile enough to play multiple different positions for the Wildcats, and can make his presence felt on both ends of the floor.

Look for Almansa to be cleaning up the glass, getting in the lanes and taking off on fast breaks. He’s one of the most decorated youth players in International basketball history, which puts Perth in a great position to be able to use their Next Star in a variety of different ways, in an effort to help them win.

“Having spent the past couple of weeks in Japan, Izan has had a great chance to quickly grow comfortable with the Wildcats. He’s going to play minutes across the four and the five and, beyond his elite interior play, I’m looking forward to him displaying his driving skills and the expanding ability to stretch the floor.” – Liam Santamaria, Next Stars General Manager

Malique Lewis

A current projected second round pick, Malique Lewis got off to the perfect start in his pre-season debut for South East Melbourne. The 6-foot-8 wing had 15 points in their game against Brisbane last week and showed signs he’s ready to contribute in a big way for this new-look Phoenix team.

Mike Kelly has the ability to play him on the wing or even slide down and guard more dynamic forwards like Jack White and Xavier Cooks.

Lewis, who hails from Trinidad & Tobago, is one to watch in NBL25 as his draft stock is sure to rise week after week this season.

“Malique has impressed in his first couple of pre-season hit-outs, so I’m keen to see him continue that progression. He’s an elite defender so we know he’s going play minutes, and his shooting will constantly threaten to break open games. If he can turn his disruptive D into opportunities in the open court, he’ll be putting the full package on display.” – Liam Santamaria

Alex Toohey

Coming back for his second season in the NBL, a lot of eyes will be on Alex Toohey to deliver in a big way before declaring for next year’s draft.

Toohey was a standout in Sydney’s two pre-season games last weekend against the New Zealand Breakers, proving that he’s ready for this challenge.

With all the talk of how deep and talented this Kings roster is, it will be important for players like Toohey to be efficient and effective throughout their time on court.

I’m looking forward to seeing how he plays alongside their new signings, because players like Xavier Cooks and Cam Oliver should really complement Toohey’s game. He can use his size to his advantage and then shoot the ball with confidence when he inevitably gets open with the star power around him.

“There’s buzz about Toohey amongst NBA scouts heading into the Blitz. He’s visibly stronger and, after a massive off-season of work with Jordan Lawley in the States, he’s making plays and shooting the heck out of the ball.” - Liam Santamaria

Karim Lopez

There’s been quite a bit hype coming out of New Zealand about their Mexican Next Star prospect, Karim Lopez.

Like Rocco Zikarsky, everything Lopez can achieve this year in terms of contribution and development is an added bonus, as he’s locked in for two years before being draft eligible.

Lopez came to New Zealand after averaging over 20 points per game in the FIBA U16 Americas and can do a little bit of everything on the floor. Knowing that he can’t enter the draft until 2026 should take any pressure off Lopez for NBL25 and enable him to use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

With the Breakers rolling out a very new-look outfit, there is sure to still be a lot of moving pieces early in the season in terms of rotation, which will give him a chance to show what he can do.

“Karim is a super talent but he’s also super young so this year’s Blitz will be all about gaining experience and growing comfortable for him. Once he starts to feel confident at this level, he’s going to really impress as his potential is through the roof.” - Liam Santamaria

Rocco Zikarsky

Zikarsky was impressive once again for the Bullets leading into the Blitz and looks set to be a major factor this season.

Currently projected to be a first round pick next year, the 7-foot-3 big man is an imposing figure, standing well clear as the tallest player in the league.

Last year, it was Aron Baynes who took Zikarsky under his wing in his first season as a professional, and now the 18-year-old gets to show everyone what he’s capable of and why he’s projected to be a top pick in 2025.

You can expect a lot of dunks and blocks with Zikarsky on the floor, but he’s already shown the confidence to step out and stretch the floor at times as well.

“Rocco has had a huge off-season, working on his body and expanding his skillset. His stroke has really developed, he’s shooting a much higher clip from the line and he’s moving really well. I’m excited to watch him put that growth on display at the Blitz and show NBA teams why he’s a lottery guy for the upcoming draft.” – Liam Santamaria

Watch every game of the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast, live on Kayo from September 7.